Portable solar panel system electrical control

ABSTRACT

A solar panel assembly includes a solar panel and an output module. The solar panel includes a plurality of solar cells configured to absorb light energy from a light source to generate electrical power. The output module has an input interface electrically coupled to the plurality of solar cells and an output interface configured to at least one of power and charge a load device. The output module is configured to provide an output power having an output current and an output voltage at the output interface. The output module includes a processing circuit configured to control the output voltage based on a maximum available power associated with the plurality of solar cells.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/201,062, filed Aug. 4, 2015, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/201,100, filed Aug. 4, 2015, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/275,000, filed Jan. 5, 2016, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

A solar panel is a packaged assembly of photovoltaic cells. Solar panelsuse light energy (e.g., photons) from the sun to generate an electriccurrent via the photovoltaic effect. A solar panel is typically used togenerate and supply electricity to a load device or system. Solar panelsare an environmentally-friendly alternative to other sources of energysuch as coal, oil, or gasoline. Portable solar panels may be used inplace of traditional portable power supply devices (e.g., generators,batteries).

SUMMARY

One exemplary embodiment relates to a solar panel assembly. The solarpanel assembly includes a solar panel and an output module. The solarpanel includes a plurality of solar cells configured to absorb lightenergy from a light source to generate electrical power. The outputmodule has an input interface electrically coupled to the plurality ofsolar cells and an output interface configured to at least one of powerand charge a load device. The output module is configured to provide anoutput power having an output current and an output voltage at theoutput interface. The output module includes a processing circuitconfigured to control the output voltage based on a maximum availablepower associated with the plurality of solar cells.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an output module for a portablesolar panel. The output module includes an input interface, an outputinterface, and a processing circuit. The input interface is configuredto engage with an output of the portable solar panel to receive an inputelectrical power having an input voltage and an input current. Theoutput interface is configured to engage an input of a load device andprovide an output electrical power having an output voltage and anoutput current. The processing circuit is configured to (i) monitor atleast one of the input electrical power, the input voltage, the inputcurrent, the output electrical power, the output voltage, and the outputcurrent, (ii) determine whether the load device has stopped chargingbased on a change in the at least one of the input electrical power, theinput voltage, the input current, the output electrical power, theoutput voltage, and the output current, and (iii) stop providing andthereafter again provide the output electrical power to the load devicein response to determining that the load device stopped charging.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an output module for a portablesolar panel. The output module includes an input interface, an outputinterface, and a processing circuit. The input interface is configuredto engage an output of the portable solar panel to receive an inputelectrical power generated by solar cells of the portable solar panel.The output interface is configured to selectively engage an input of aload device to facilitate providing an output electrical power having anoutput voltage and an output current to the load device to at least oneof power and charge the load device. The processing circuit isconfigured to control the output voltage based on a maximum availablepower associated with the plurality of solar cells.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried outin various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to otherfeatures and combinations of features as may be recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a solar panel assembly, accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the solar panel assembly of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is another front perspective view of the solar panel assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the solar panel assembly of FIG. 1 in afolded configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the solar panel assembly of FIG. 1,according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the solar panel assembly of FIG. 1 with anoutput module, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the output module of the solar panelassembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Conventional solar panels may operate as a static source of powerwithout a system that (i) balances load power to available power (ii)restarts the flow of energy in response to a load device stopping anacceptance of power due to a temporary voltage drop, and/or (iii)communicates available power and output power to an end-user. Somelarge, commercial scale solar panel systems employ Maximum Power PointTracking (“MPPT”) algorithms to optimize available solar energy, butthese implementations typically exist as a stand-alone charge controllerdesigned for a specific battery chemistry. Some portable solar panelsimplement a feature which attempts to restart the flow of energy to adevice that has stopped charging due to a temporary low voltagecondition by periodically disabling and enabling the output,irrespective of whether power is actually being transferred to the load,resulting in an unnecessary interruption in the power supply. Whilededicated solar meters are available for measuring available power,these devices typically require a dedicated solar cell and display tocommunicate this information. The data from such devices is notprecisely representative of the power at a panel, and traditionaldevices therefore provide at best an approximation of the solar poweravailable at the desired panel.

In one embodiment, the method and the system of the present disclosureoptimize the relationship between incoming solar energy and an end-userdevice through several methods. The method and system may employ analgorithm to balance outgoing power with available power by (i)measuring environmental conditions and (b) maximizing available energy(e.g., by attempting control of the load device, etc.). The method andsystem may monitor and control the outgoing power in order to ensure aload device continues to accept energy after a condition occurs whichtemporarily interrupts the power. The method and system may improve theuser experience with a photovoltaic power source by measuring incidentsolar energy as well as outgoing power and providing the information toan end-user. The user may use employ this information to orient thepanel for increased (e.g., maximum, etc.) energy reception.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, a solar panelassembly, shown as solar panel assembly 10, is configured to generateelectrical power from incident light. The generated electrical power maybe provided to at least one of charge and power a load device (e.g., aphone, a tablet, a computer, a portable and rechargeable battery pack,etc.). In one embodiment, the solar panel assembly 10 is configured(e.g., arranged, sized, etc.) to provide an output power of up to 7watts (“W”). In another embodiment, the solar panel assembly 10 isconfigured to provide an output power of up to 14 W. In otherembodiments, the solar panel assembly 10 is configured to provide stillanother output power (e.g., 10 W, 20 W, etc.). The power output of thesolar panel assembly 10 may be related to a surface area thereof and/ora relative orientation between the solar panel assembly and a lightsource (e.g., the sun, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, thesolar panel assembly 10 is lightweight and portable.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the solar panel assembly includes a firstsurface, shown as front surface 12, and an opposing second surface,shown as rear surface 14. The front surface 12 is separated from therear surface 14 by a thickness of the solar panel assembly 10, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. The solar panel assembly 10 has a firstedge, shown as bottom edge 16, an opposing second edge, shown as topedge 18. The bottom edge 16 is separated from the top edge 18 by aheight of the solar panel assembly 10, according to an exemplaryembodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the solar panel assembly 10 has afirst end, shown as left end 22, and an opposing second end, shown asright end 24. The left end 22 is separated from the right end 24 by awidth of the solar panel assembly 10, according to an exemplaryembodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the bottom edge 16, the top edge18, the left end 22, and the right end 24 define a generally-rectangularshape of the solar panel assembly 10. In alternative embodiments, thesolar panel assembly 10 is otherwise shaped (e.g., square, circular,hexagonal, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the solar panel assembly 10defines an axis, shown as axis 20. The axis 20 is vertical andequidistantly positioned between the left end 22 and the right end 24,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the axis 20 divides the solar panel assembly 10 into a firstside, shown as left side 26, and a second side, shown as right side 28.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, thesolar panel assembly 10 is constructed of multiple layers. As shown inFIGS. 1-3, the solar panel assembly 10 includes a first layer, shown ascover layer 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the solar panel assembly 10 includesa second layer, shown as solar cell layer 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,the solar cell layer 40 includes a plurality of solar cells 46 arrangedinto a first solar panel, shown as left solar panel 42, and a secondsolar panel, shown as right solar panel 44. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the solar cells 46 are configured to receive and convertsolar power (e.g., light energy, etc.) from a light source (e.g., thesun, etc.) to generate electrical power. A third layer, shown asstructural layer 50, is provided as part of the solar panel assembly 10,according to an exemplary embodiment. According an exemplary embodiment,the structural layer 50 includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”). ThePCB may include a substrate (e.g., a non-conductive substrate, etc.)configured to mechanically support the solar cells 46. The PCB may alsoelectrically couple the solar cells 46 (e.g., using conductive tracks,pads, and/or other features etched or otherwise formed into sheets thatinclude copper or another material laminated onto the substrate, etc.).As shown in FIG. 2, the solar panel assembly 10 includes a fourth layer,shown as cover layer 60. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the cover layer 60is disposed along the structural layer 50.

As shown in FIG. 2, an adhesive layer, shown as adhesive layer 32, isdisposed between the cover layer 30 and the solar cell layer 40. Theadhesive layer 32 couples the cover layer 30 and the solar cell layer40. As shown in FIG. 2, an adhesive layer, shown as adhesive layer 34,is disposed between the solar cell layer 40 and the structural layer 50.The adhesive layer 34 couples the solar cell layer 40 and the structurallayer 50. As shown in FIG. 2, an adhesive layer, shown as adhesive layer36, is disposed between the structural layer 50 and the cover layer 60.The adhesive layer 36 couples the structural layer 50 and the coverlayer 60.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, the solar panel assembly 10 defines aplurality of apertures, shown as through holes 98. Solar panel assembly10 may be supported using (e.g., hung by, etc.) and/or support otherdevices (e.g., provide a hanging point for, etc.) using the throughholes 98. By way of example, the through holes 98 may facilitatecoupling the solar panel assembly 10 to a backpack, belt, or otherstructure (e.g., using a clasp, rope, a zip-tie, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 4, the solar panel assembly 10 is selectivelyreconfigurable (e.g., foldable, etc.) about the axis 20 into a foldedorientation. In one embodiment, the left end 22 of the left side 26 andthe right end 24 of the right side 28 of the solar panel assembly 10meet when the solar panel assembly 10 is arranged into the foldedorientation. The foldable solar panel assembly 10 may be stored insmaller areas and/or more easily transported by a user (e.g., carried,etc.) relative to traditional solar panel assemblies.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the solarpanel assembly 10 includes a module, shown as module 70. The module 70may be configured to support the solar panel assembly 10. As shown inFIG. 5, the module 70 includes a support, shown as kickstand 80. In oneembodiment, the kickstand 80 includes a storage compartment, shown asstorage pocket 90. The kickstand 80 is rotatably coupled to a baseportion of the module 70, according to an exemplary embodiment. Thekickstand 80 may thereby pivot away from the rear surface 14 to adjustan angle at which the solar panel assembly 10 is oriented. According toan exemplary embodiment, changing the orientation angle of the solarpanel assembly changes (e.g., increases, decreases, etc.) the intensityof the solar energy incident upon the solar panel assembly 10. In someembodiments, the kickstand 80 is vented. Such venting may facilitateheat transfer (e.g., convective heat transfer, etc.) from a device(e.g., a load device, etc.) disposed within the storage pocket 90. Asshown in FIG. 5, the storage pocket 90 is partially defined by a meshlayer 92 coupled to a backing plate of the kickstand 80. The mesh layer92 and the backing plate of the kickstand 80 define a cavitytherebetween. According to an exemplary embodiment, a load device (e.g.,a phone, a battery pack, etc.) may be disposed within the cavity of thestorage pocket 90. The mesh layer 92 provides ventilation through thecavity and thereby reduces the risk of overheating the load device. Thestorage pocket 90 is closable using a fastener, shown as zipper 94. Thezipper 94 is configured to facilitate accessing the cavity definedbetween the kickstand 80 and the mesh layer 92. In other embodiments,another type of fastener is provided (e.g., hook and loop fasteners,magnets, etc.) to facilitate selectively closing the storage pocket 90.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, the solarpanel assembly 10 includes an output, shown as output 100, coupled to anoutput module, shown as output module 110. The output 100 is configuredto couple the output module 110 to the solar cells 46 of the solar panelassembly 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. The output module 110may couple a load device 160 (e.g., a smartphone, a cell phone, arechargeable battery pack, a tablet, a personal computer, a laptop, asmartwatch, etc.), to the solar panel assembly 10. In an alternativeembodiment, the output 100 is configured to directly couple the loaddevice 160 to the solar panel assembly 10 (e.g., bypassing the outputmodule 110, in embodiments where the solar panel assembly 10 does notinclude the output module 110, etc.). In some embodiments, the output100 and/or the output module 110 are disposed within the cavity of thestorage pocket 90.

As show in FIG. 6, the output 100 includes a module, shown as panelmodule 102, that is coupled to the output module 110 with a cable, shownas cable 104. The panel module 102 is configured to couple the outputmodule 110 to the solar cells 46 of the solar panel assembly 10,according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the cable 104is hard wired into the panel module 102. In other embodiments, the cable104 is removably coupled to the panel module 102 (e.g., withcorresponding male and female connectors, etc.). As shown in FIG. 6, thecable 104 is coupled to the output module 110 with a connector, shown asoutput connector 106. In one embodiment, the cable 104 is configured tocouple the panel module 102 with the output connector 106. The outputconnector 106 may be configured to couple the panel module 102 to atleast one of the output module 110 and the load device 160.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the output module 110 includes an input, shown asinput interface 112, and an output, shown as output interface 114.According to an exemplary embodiment, the output connector 106 includesa male connector (e.g., a barrel plug, etc.), and the input interface112 includes a female connector configured to interface with and receivethe output connector 106. In an alternative embodiment, the outputconnector 106 includes a female connector and the input interface 112includes a male connector. According to an exemplary embodiment, theoutput interface 114 includes a female connector. In one embodiment, thefemale connector of the output interface 114 is a female USB interfaceconfigured to receive a male USB connector (e.g., of a charging and/orpower cable for the load device 160, etc.). In an alternativeembodiment, the output interface 114 is a male connector (e.g., alightning connector, a 30-pin connector, a micro USB, a mini USB, etc.).

The output module 110 may thereby be detachably coupled to the solarcells 46. The output module 110 may receive power from the solar cells46 and at least one of power and charge the load device 160 (e.g.,coupled to output interface 114, etc.). Solar panel assembly 10 havingan output module 110 that is releasably coupled to the panel module 102may be upgraded (e.g., with new and/or redesigned output modules 110,etc.) by unplugging the existing output module 110 and replacing it witha different output module 110. In an alternative embodiment, the cable104 is hard wired to the output module 110. In another alternativeembodiment, the output module 110 is coupled to and/or integral with themodule 70 (e.g., disposed within a cavity positioned behind thekickstand 80, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the output module 110 includes a display, shownas display 116. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display 116 isconfigured to indicate the intensity of the solar energy incident uponthe front surface 12 of to the solar panel assembly 10 (e.g., providinga power flow indicator, etc.). According to another embodiment, thedisplay 116 is configured to indicate the available input powerassociated with the solar cells 46. According to still anotherembodiment, the display 116 is configured to indicate the current drawassociated with the load device 160. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the display 116 includes a plurality of LEDs. By way ofexample, as the solar intensity increases, the number of LEDs of thedisplay 116 that illuminate may increase, providing an indication as tothe intensity of solar energy incident upon the solar panel assembly 10.In an alternative embodiment, the display 116 is or includes a digitaldisplay or any other type of display that provides an indication of thesolar intensity and/or other information (e.g., current draw, inputpower, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the display 116 ispositioned such that a user of the solar panel assembly 10 may see theintensity of the incident solar energy and reorient the solar panelassembly 10 (e.g., rotate the solar panel assembly 10, adjust the angleof the kickstand 80, change the panel-to-sun placement, etc.) to achievea maximum power output from the solar panel assembly 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the output module 110 includes a regulator, shown asswitching regulator 118. The output module 110 includes a communicationdevice 120, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. As shown inFIG. 7, the output module includes a processing circuit 130. An inputcurrent sensor 150 (e.g., positioned to monitor a current of theelectrical power provided to the output module 110 from the solar cells46, etc.), an input voltage sensor 152 (e.g., positioned to monitor avoltage of the electrical power provided to the output module 110 fromthe solar cells 46, etc.), an output current sensor 154, and an outputvoltage sensor 156 are provided as part of the output module 110,according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, theoutput module 110 includes a different combination of sensors and/orstill other types of sensors. In still other embodiments, the outputmodule 110 includes a combination of electrical components (e.g.,diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc.) that replace and/or supplement atleast one of the switching regulator 118, the communication device 120,the processing circuit 130, the input current sensor 150, the inputvoltage sensor 152, the output current sensor 154, and the outputvoltage sensor 156.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the switching regulator 118 isconfigured to regulate (e.g., change, increase, reduce, decrease,throttle, etc.) at least one of an output voltage and an output currentprovided by the output module 110. By way of example, the output module110 may provide an output power (e.g., having the output voltage and/orthe output current, etc.) to the load device 160. According to anexemplary embodiment, the switching regulator 118 is configured to buck(e.g., reduce, decrease, throttle, etc.) the output voltage (e.g., viapulse width modulation (“PWM”), etc.) of the output power provided byoutput module 110 to a target voltage (e.g., 5 Volts, etc.). In oneembodiment, the output module 110 is configured to buck the outputvoltage (e.g., with the switching regulator 118, etc.) an amount thatvaries as a function of the input power (e.g., the electrical powerprovided to the output module 110 from the solar cells 46, etc.). By wayof example, the processing circuit 130 may monitor an available inputpower and regulate the output voltage as a function of the availableinput power.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the solar cells 46 of the solarpanel assembly 10 are at least one of configured and arranged to producean input voltage of up to approximately 12 Volts. In one embodiment, theoutput module 110 is configured to provide an output of 5 Volts,corresponding with the standard voltage of USB connections. According toan exemplary embodiment, the switching regulator 118 is configured toreceive the 12 Volt input from the solar cells 46 and reduce, decrease,throttle, etc. the 12 Volts to 5 Volts such that the 5 Volts may beprovided to the load device 160 (e.g., via the output interface 114,etc.). In other embodiments, the output module 110 does not include theswitching regulator 118 and/or the switching regulator 118 is configuredto not buck the input voltage (e.g., in all instances, etc.). Such anoutput module 110 may provide an output voltage that is substantiallythe same as the input voltage (e.g., 12 Volts, etc.).

In one embodiment, the switching regulator 118 of the output module 110is configured to regulate the output voltage to a target voltage level.In one embodiment, the processing circuit 130 is configured to determinethe target voltage level based on the available input power. Theavailable input power may vary with the electrical current and voltageprovided to the input interface 112.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the input current sensor 150 isconfigured to acquire input current data relating to the electricalcurrent provided to the input interface 112 of the output module 110 bythe solar cells 46 (e.g., monitor an input current of an electricalpower provided to the output module 110 from the solar cells 46, etc.).According to an exemplary embodiment, the input voltage sensor 152 isconfigured to acquire input voltage data relating to a voltage providedto the input interface 112 of the output module 110 by the solar cells46. The processing circuit 130 may calculate the amount of electricalpower generated by the solar cells 46 (i.e., from solar energy) usingthe input current data and the input voltage data. According to anexemplary embodiment, the output current sensor 154 is configured toacquire output current data relating to a current provided by the outputinterface 114 of the output module 110 to the load device 160. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the output voltage sensor 156 is configuredto acquire output voltage data relating to a voltage provided by theoutput interface 114 of the output module 110 to the load device 160.The processing circuit 130 may calculate the amount of electrical powerprovided by the output interface 114 (e.g., to the load device 160,etc.) using the output current data and the output voltage data.

As shown in FIG. 7, the processing circuit 130 includes a processor 132and a memory 134. The processor 132 may be implemented as ageneral-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or othersuitable electronic processing components. The memory 134 (e.g., RAM,ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage, etc.) may store data and/orcomputer code for facilitating the various processes described herein.Thus, the memory devices may be communicably connected to the processor132 and provide computer code or instructions to the processor 132 forexecuting the processes described in regard to the output module 110herein. Moreover, the memory 134 may be or include tangible,non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, thememory 134 may include database components, object code components,script components, or any other type of information structure forsupporting the various activities and information structures describedherein.

The memory 134 includes various modules for completing the activitiesdescribed herein. As shown in FIG. 7, the processing circuit 130includes a display module 136, a comparison module 138, and a restartmodule 140. In other embodiments, the processing circuit 130 includesadditional, fewer, and/or different modules. The display module 136, thecomparison module 138, and the restart module 140 may be configured toreceive inputs relating to various data and/or information (e.g.,current data, voltage data, electrical power data, etc.) and providesignals. In one embodiment, the processing circuit 130 analyzes theoutput signals (e.g., with the processor 132, etc.) and controls one ormore components of the solar panel assembly 10. By way of example, theprocessing circuit 130 may control the operation of the display 116, theswitching regulator 118, and/or the communication device 120, amongother components, based on the various data. While various modules withparticular functionality are shown in FIG. 7, it should be understoodthat the output module 110 and the memory 134 may include any number ofmodules for completing the functions described herein. By way ofexample, the activities of multiple modules may be combined as a singlemodule, as additional modules with additional functionality may beincluded, etc. Further, it should be understood that the output module110 may further control other activity (e.g., other aspects of the solarpanel assembly 10, functionality associated with the load device 160,etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display module 136 isconfigured to interpret the input current data (e.g., acquired and/orcalculated based on data provided by the input current sensor 150, etc.)to determine the intensity of the solar energy incident upon the solarcells 46 of the solar panel assembly 10. The display module 136 may beconfigured to calculate the electrical power provided by the solar cells46 of the solar panel assembly 10. In one embodiment, the display module136 is configured to calculate the electrical power provided by thesolar cells 46 by multiplying the input current with the input voltage(e.g., acquired and/or calculated based on data provided by the inputcurrent sensor 150, the input voltage sensor 152, preset and stored inmemory, etc.).

The display module 136 may be configured to provide a signal such thatthe processing circuit 130 produces a command to the display 116. Thedisplay 116 may receive the command and provide an indication of thesolar intensity to the user of the solar panel assembly 10. According toanother embodiment, the display 116 is configured to indicate theavailable input power associated with the solar cells 46 (e.g., asdetermined by the comparison module 138, etc.). According to stillanother embodiment, the display 116 is configured to indicate thecurrent draw associated with the load device 160 (e.g., as measured byone or more output current sensors 154, etc.). The command may include aseries of commands (e.g., voltages, etc.) applied to the one or moreLEDs of the display 116 (e.g., to illuminate certain LEDs based on thedisplayed information value, etc.).

In one embodiment, the display module 136 is configured to providelevels of user indication that vary based on the available input powerof the solar cells 46 (e.g., as determined by the comparison module 138,etc.). By way of example, the display module 136 may be configured toprovide commands such that: no LEDs are illuminated in response to adetermination that the available input power is less than 1 Watt, oneLED is illuminated in response to a determination that the availableinput power is greater than or equal to 1 Watt, two LEDs are illuminatedin response to a determination that the available input power is greaterthan or equal to 2 Watts, three LEDs are illuminated in response to adetermination that the available input power is greater than or equal to3 Watts, and four LEDs are illuminated in response to a determinationthat the available input power is greater than or equal to 4 Watts(e.g., for a 7 W set of solar cells 46, etc.).

The display module 136 may be configured to provide a command such thatthe illuminated LEDs blink at a rate that is related to the outputcurrent or the current being drawn by the load device 160. By way ofexample, the display module 136 may be configured to provide a commandsuch that the illuminated LEDs blink at a rate of 1 blink per secondwhen the current draw of the load device 160 is approximately 0.1 Ampsand the illuminated LEDs blink at a rate of 8 blinks per second when thecurrent draw of the load device 160 is approximately 1 Amp. The blinkrate may be related to the current draw linearly, according to a stepfunction, or still otherwise related.

In another embodiment, the display module 136 is configured to provide afirst level of user indication (e.g., illuminate one of the LEDs of thedisplay 116, etc.) in response to a determination that the intensity ofthe solar energy incident upon the solar cells 46 of the solar panelassembly 10 is less than 25% of a maximum level. In another embodiment,the display module 136 is configured to provide a first level of userindication (e.g., illuminate one of the LEDs of the display 116, etc.)in response to a determination that the electrical power produced (e.g.,current, voltage, etc.) by the solar cells 46 is less than 25% of amaximum level. In still another embodiment, the display module 136 isconfigured to provide a first level of user indication (e.g., illuminateone of the LEDs of the display 116, etc.) in response to a determinationthat the input current produced by the solar cells 46 and/or the outputcurrent provided by the output module 110 is less than 25% of a maximumlevel.

The display module 136 may be configured to provide a second level ofuser indication (e.g., illuminate two LEDs of the display 116, etc.) inresponse to a determination that at least one of (i) the intensity ofthe solar energy incident upon the solar cells 46, (ii) the electricalpower produced by the solar cells 46, and (iii) the input currentproduced by the solar cells 46 and/or the output current provided by theoutput module 110 is greater than 25% but less than 50% of a maximumlevel. The display module 136 may be configured to provide a third levelof user indication (e.g., illuminate three LEDs of the display 116,etc.) in response to a determination that at least one of (i) theintensity of the solar energy incident upon the solar cells 46, (ii) theelectrical power produced by the solar cells 46, and (iii) the inputcurrent produced by the solar cells 46 and/or the output currentprovided by the output module 110 is greater than 50% but less than 75%of a maximum level. The display module 136 may be configured to providea fourth level of user indication (e.g., illuminate four LEDs of thedisplay 116, etc.) in response to a determination that at least one of(i) the intensity of the solar energy incident upon the solar cells 46,(ii) the electrical power produced by the solar cells 46, and (iii) theinput current produced by the solar cells 46 and/or the output currentprovided by the output module 110 is greater 75% of a maximum level. Inother embodiments, the display module 136 is configured to initiatecontrol of the LEDs according to step thresholds other than thecombination of 25%, 50%, and 75%. In other embodiments, the displaymodule 136 is configured to still otherwise initiate control of thedisplay 116 to facilitate user control of the solar panel assembly 10(e.g., facilitating a user's efforts to maximize or otherwise increasethe performance of the solar panel assembly 10, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the comparison module 138 isconfigured to increase performance of the solar panel assembly 10. Asshown in FIG. 7, the output module 110 includes a circuit, shown as testcircuit 180. The test circuit 180 is coupled to the input interface 112,according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the testcircuit 180 is configured to variably load the solar cells 46. The testcircuit 180 may “load down” the solar cells 46 and/or the solar panel inan “on demand” manner. By way of example, the available input power ofthe solar cells 46 may be 10 Watts, and 8 Watts may be provided to theload device 160. The test circuit 180 may load down the solar cells 46and/or the panel (e.g., at 2 Watts, with an increasing load startingwith zero or another reduced load, etc.) until the test circuit 180and/or the comparison module 138 notices a decrease in the power fromthe solar cells 46 and/or the panel (e.g., begins to decrease, decreasesat more than a threshold rate, decreases to below a threshold level,etc.). The power from the solar cells 46 and/or the panel may bemeasured using the input current sensor 150 and/or the input voltagesensor 152.

In one embodiment, the voltage of the electrical power provided by thesolar cells 46 is generally constant (e.g., 12 Volts, etc.). Thecomparison module 138 may interface with (e.g., provide a command signalto, communicate with by way of the processing circuit 130, etc.) thetest circuit 180 to variably load the solar cells 46. In one embodiment,loading the solar cells 46 includes increasing the current draw usingthe dedicated test circuit 180. The comparison module 138 is configuredto determine an available input power associated with the solar cells46, according to an exemplary embodiment, by interfacing with the testcircuit 180. In one embodiment, the comparison module 138 is configuredto monitor the voltage and/or the current provided at the test circuit180 and determine an instantaneous power level associated with the solarcells 46 (e.g., by multiplying the voltage and the current draw of thetest circuit 180, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the comparison module 138 isconfigured to incrementally increase the load applied by the testcircuit 180 while continuing to monitor the instantaneous power levelassociated with the solar cells 46. As the current draw applied by thetest circuit 180 continues to increase, the input voltage applied by thesolar cells 46 may at a threshold load level decrease (e.g., drop off,suddenly decrease, sharply decrease, etc.). The decrease in the inputvoltage applied by the solar cells 46 may decrease to a large degree,thereby decreasing the instantaneous power level associated with thesolar cells 46. The comparison module 138 is configured to maximize thepower level of the solar cells 46 (e.g., and thereby maximize electricalpower provided to the load device, etc.). In one embodiment, thecomparison module 138 is configured to determine that the solar cells 46are providing an available input power (e.g., a potential input power, amaximum available input power, operating at a maximum power point, etc.)in response to a decrease in an instantaneous power level (e.g., below athreshold level, at a rate that is greater than a threshold rate, etc.).The decrease in the instantaneous power level may occur in response tothe incremental increase in the load applied by the test circuit 180.The comparison module 138 may regularly or intermittently determine theavailable input power (e.g., multiple times per second, etc.).

The comparison module 138 is configured to manipulate the output voltage(e.g., the voltage applied at the output interface 114, the voltageprovided to the load device 160, etc.), according to an exemplaryembodiment, such that the output power corresponds with (e.g., matches,etc.) the available input power associated with the solar cells 46. Byway of example, the comparison module 138 may be configured to monitorthe available input power and interface with (e.g., command, providesignals such that the processing circuit 130 commands, etc.) theswitching regulator 118 to manipulate the output voltage. The comparisonmodule 138 may be configured to manipulate the output voltage regularlyor intermittently in response to determining the available input power.

The current draw of the load device 160 may be related to the voltageapplied thereto (e.g., the output voltage, etc.). The current draw ofthe load device 160 is non-linearly related to the applied voltage,according to an exemplary embodiment. The specific relationship betweenthe current drawn and the applied voltage may vary based on one or morecharacteristics of the load device 160. By way of example, the loaddevice 160 may draw 2.3 Amps with an applied voltage of 5.2 Volts, 2.0Amps with an applied voltage of 5 Volts, 1.5 Amps with an appliedvoltage of 4.8 Volts, and 1.2 Amps with an applied voltage of 4.6 Volts.The comparison module 138 is configured to interface with the switchingdevice 118 to produce small variations in the output voltage that yieldlarger variations in the current draw of the load device 160. Theinventors of the present application discovered a non-liner relationshipbetween a change in the applied voltage and the current draw of the loaddevice 160.

By way of example, the comparison module 138 may be configured tointerface with the switching regulator 118 to selectively increase theoutput voltage, thereby causing the load device 160 to increase thecurrent draw and therefore increasing the output power being provided tothe load device 160. By way of another example, the comparison module138 may be configured to interface with the switching regulator 118 toselectively decrease the output voltage, thereby causing the load device160 to decrease the current draw and therefore decreasing the outputpower being provided to the load device 160. The comparison module 138may be configured to monitor the output power being provided to the loaddevice 160 (e.g., using one or more of an output current sensor 154, anoutput voltage sensor 156, and the voltage at which the comparisonmodule 138 instructed the switching regulator 118 to produce, etc.). Inone embodiment, the comparison module 138 is configured to selectivelyvary (e.g., increase, decrease, etc.) the output voltage based on theavailable input power. By way of example, the comparison module 138 maybe configured to monitor the output power, compare the output power withthe available input power, and determine a target voltage to be appliedby the switching regulator 118 at the output interface 114. By way ofanother example, the comparison module 138 may be configured toselectively vary the output voltage based only on the available inputpower (e.g., using a predetermined algorithm for determining the outputpower, etc.). In one embodiment, the switching regulator 118 isconfigured to regulate the output voltage to values between 4.7 Voltsand 5.3 Volts.

In one embodiment, the comparison module 138 is configured to monitorthe input power (e.g., the electrical power generated by the solar cells46, etc.) and the output power (e.g., based on the electrical currentdrawn by the load device 160, etc.). The comparison module 138 may beconfigured to vary (e.g., reduce, etc.) the output voltage based on theavailable input power. In one embodiment, the comparison module 138 isconfigured to vary the output voltage to increase (e.g., maximize, etc.)the power output provided by the solar cells 46 (e.g., to provide anMPPT controller, etc.).

The comparison module 138 may be configured to interpret the inputcurrent data and the input voltage data to determine the input power andinterpret the output current data and the output voltage data todetermine the output power. In one embodiment, the comparison module 138reduces the output voltage (e.g., by controlling the switching regulator118, etc.) to increase the power level of the solar cells 46. Comparisonmodule 138 may thereby determine a current to provide to the load device160 to prevent an adverse decrease in the voltage provided by the solarcells 46 (e.g., rather than increasing the output current and the inputcurrent to elevated or maximum values, which may decrease the inputvoltage provided by the solar cells 46 and thereby adversely decreasethe power provided by the solar cells 46, etc.). The comparison module138 may determine the current to provide to the load device 160 using analgorithm that relates the power generated by the solar cells 46, thepower provided to the load device 160, the input current, the inputvoltage, the output current, and/or the output voltage (e.g., to preventan adverse decrease in the voltage provided by the solar cells 46,etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the comparison module 138is configured to control the switching regulator 118 to adjust theoutput voltage provided to the load device 160 to increase theelectrical power generated by the solar cells 46 and/or the electricalpower provided to the load device 160.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the restart module 140 isconfigured to “restart” the electrical power supply provided by solarpanel assembly 10 in response to determining that the load device 160may no longer be charging. By way of example, the restart module 140 maydetermine that the load device 160 is no longer charging in response tothe current drawn by the load device 160 decreasing at a rate that isgreater than a threshold rate. Restarting may include stopping a supplyof output current from the output module 110 to the load device 160 fora period of time, and then thereafter providing the output currentsupply from the output module 110 to the load device 160. In oneembodiment, the restart module 140 is configured to monitor the inputvoltage. The restart module 140 may disable the output (e.g., terminatethe output current, continue terminating the output current, etc.) inresponse to a determination that the input voltage is below a thresholdlevel.

The output module 110 may include a timer module (e.g., a countdowntimer, etc.) configured to facilitate pausing the electrical powersupply from the solar panel assembly 10. In one embodiment, the restartmodule 140 is configured to provide a signal to again provide electricalpower in response to receiving a signal from the timer module (e.g., inresponse to the timer module counting down to zero and thereafterproviding an alert signal, etc.).

By way of example, the load device 160 may reject the power output ofthe output module 110 if at least one of the output voltage and theoutput current fall below a voltage threshold and/or a currentthreshold, respectively, instantaneously and/or for a predeterminedperiod of time. The load device 160 may determine that the chargingdevice (e.g., the solar panel assembly 10, etc.) is not a compatibledevice and stops charging. By way of example, the load device 160 may becharging via the power output of the solar panel assembly 10. A cloudmay pass overhead, decreasing at least one of the output current and theoutput voltage provided to the load device 160 below the threshold. Theload device 160 may thereafter reject the power supply from the solarpanel assembly 10 and stop charging. The cloud may then pass by, and thevoltage output to the load device 160 may increase to a level above thethreshold. Even during the period of decreased current and/or voltage,the load device 160 may draw a reduced current (e.g., 0.1 Amps, etc.).The restart module 140 may stop and reinstate the charging session,thereby reducing the risk that the load device 160 may not again receivecharging current from the solar panel assembly 10 to reinstate thecharging session until the power supply is disconnected and thereafterreconnected.

In one embodiment, the restart module 140 is configured to monitor theoutput current and determine whether the output current is decreasingand, if so, the rate at which the output current is decreasing. Inresponse to a determination that the rate at which the output current isdecreasing exceeds the threshold rate (e.g., a cloud comes overhead,etc.), the restart module 140 may initiate a restart. In anotherembodiment, the restart module 140 is configured to begin monitoring atleast one of the input voltage, the input current, and the input powerin response to a determination that the rate at which the output currentis decreasing exceeds the threshold rate. In response to the input powerincreasing (e.g., a cloud or obstruction passes, etc.), the restartmodule 140 may restart the power supply provided by the solar panelassembly 10 (e.g., decrease the output current to 0 Amps, etc.). Thesolar panel assembly 10 thereby “tricks” the load device 160 intoperceiving that a new charging cycle has been initiated with acompatible device (e.g., simulating unplugging and then plugging in thecharging cable, etc.) such that the charging of the load device 160 maycontinue.

In some embodiments, the output module 110 is communicably coupled tothe load device 160 (e.g., via the output interface 114, etc.) and/or anexternal device (e.g., a smartphone, a cell phone, a tablet, a personalcomputer, a laptop, a smartwatch, a remote server, etc.), shown asexternal device 170 (e.g., via the communication device 120, etc.).According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 120 isconfigured to transmit various information and data (e.g., current data,voltage data, power data, charging history, etc.) to at least one of theload device 160 and the external device 170. The communication device120 may use one of various types of communication protocol to facilitatethe exchange of information between and among the output module 110, theload device 160, and/or the external device 170. In this regard, thecommunication protocol may include any type and number of wired andwireless protocols. For example, a wired connection may include a serialcable, a fiber optic cable, a CAT5 cable, radio frequency (RF) or anyother form of wired connection. The communication device 120 mayfacilitate a wireless connection (e.g., across the Internet, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth (BLE), Zigbee, cellular, radio, etc.). In one embodiment, acontroller area network (CAN) bus including any number of wired andwireless connections provides the exchange of signals, information,and/or data. Further, the communication device 120 may include a localarea network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection maybe made to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using anInternet Service Provider).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 120 isconfigured to transmit (e.g., on a mobile application, using a website,etc.) present power data, charging history, and other performancecharacteristics to the external device 170 and/or the load device 160.Therefore, a user may be provided with increased visibility into theperformance of the solar panel assembly 10 and/or the load device 160(e.g., as compared to the indications provided only as part of thedisplay 116, etc.). In other embodiments, the display 116 includes ascreen (e.g., and LCD screen, etc.) upon which the processing circuit130 provides (e.g., displays, etc.) such information.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel assembly 10establishes three distinct functions to maximize the available PV panelpower. First is a method for testing the panel for available inputpower. Second is a method for adjusting the power drawn from the paneloutput. Third is a controller to interpret sensor data and facilitatecontrol of input and output activity.

According to an exemplary embodiment, panel testing is accomplished bypulsing a test load onto the panel output while continuously monitoringvoltage and current. The test load may include a transistor configuredto switch power through a fixed value resistor. The transistor may bedriven from an off state through its linear region to provide anincreasingly strong load on the panel. Voltage and current informationmay be used to calculate the panel power. As the load is increased, thepower may be monitored and its maximum value may be recorded. The systemmay employ this series of steps periodically at a frequency that mayappear continuous to an end-user.

According to an exemplary embodiment, adjusting output power isaccomplished by varying the voltage at the output of the panel. Thevoltage may be varied by manipulating the feedback voltage of anadjustable output regulator. The feedback voltage may be a scaledversion of the output voltage that keeps the regulator providing a fixedvoltage. This feedback signal may be adjusted by the controller to forcethe output voltage to vary in accordance with a control scheme employedby the controller.

According to an exemplary embodiment, with the input power informationit has gathered, the controller manipulates the output voltage availableto a device to balance the available energy with the demands of theoutput. With this scheme, the system operates the panel at its maximumpower point under varying environmental conditions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a unique control scheme isutilized to address a common problem encountered during the use ofactive load devices (e.g., smartphones) with photovoltaic panels undervarying lighting conditions. This problem results when the source ofpower (e.g., the sun, etc.) is temporarily interrupted. Thisinterruption may result in a momentary drop in output voltage to whichthe device may respond by disabling its input charging circuit in orderto protect itself (e.g., the device may interpret this interruption as afailing power source, etc.). The result of this process is a device thatrefuses to accept power despite a now valid source (e.g., when a cloudobstructing the sun passes, etc.). One approach to solving this issue isto periodically disable then re-enable the source on the chance that theenergy source has become unavailable during the preceding period. Thisapproach is problematic in that power is regularly interruptedunnecessarily. The system pf the present application provides a reactivescheme to reset the connection. This has the advantage of avoidingunnecessary interruptions while practically eliminating the time betweena device ceasing to accept power and restarting the flow of energy. Therestart may be facilitated by an algorithm in firmware that monitors theaverage output current and voltage. The processor may be configured tointerpret a decrease in output current as a need to restart the flow ofenergy, which it does by briefly disabling the output. This same actionmay be performed if the output voltage becomes invalid due toinsufficient input voltage.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an end-user is provided withunique information that facilitates more effective use of a connectedphotovoltaic panel. Several systems for communication may be provided.One such embodiment provides light emitting diodes. The LEDs may bemanipulated to communicate information in several ways including beingarranged into a bar graph, varying intensity, varying frequencies,multiple colors, etc. Another embodiment provides a digital data linksuch as USB or Bluetooth to an application on a user's device with anintegrated display. By communicating the incident power in nearreal-time, the panel is orientable to receive the maximum availablesolar energy. Similarly, communicating output power to the userfacilitates observation that the panel is working as intended, avoidingsituations where energy is not being transferred due to other factorssuch as cable faults and/or incorrect charger profiles.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROMor other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views theconnection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above arealso included within the scope of machine-readable media.Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function orgroup of functions.

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, theorder of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Suchvariation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and ondesigner choice. All such variations are within the scope of thedisclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as may be recitedin appended claims.

It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as usedherein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thesolar panel assembly as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art whoreview this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modificationsare possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapesand proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formedmay be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be notedthat the elements and/or assemblies of the components described hereinmay be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present inventions.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferredand other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of thepresent disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claim.

1. A solar panel assembly, comprising: a solar panel including aplurality of solar cells configured to absorb light energy from a lightsource to generate electrical power; and an output module having aninput interface electrically coupled to the plurality of solar cells andan output interface configured to at least one of power and charge aload device, wherein the output module is configured to provide anoutput power having an output current and an output voltage at theoutput interface, the output module including a processing circuitconfigured to control the output voltage based on a maximum availablepower associated with the plurality of solar cells.
 2. The solar panelassembly of claim 1, wherein the output module is configured to stop andthereafter restart providing the output power in response to adetermination that the load device stopped charging.
 3. The solar panelassembly of claim 2, wherein the output module is configured todetermine that the load device stopped charging by: monitoring at leastone of the electrical power from the solar panel, an input voltage ofthe electrical power from the solar panel, and an input current of theelectrical power from the solar panel; and at least one of (i) comparingthe at least one of the electrical power from the solar panel, the inputvoltage, and the input current to a threshold value and (ii) comparing arate of decrease of the at least one of the electrical power from thesolar panel, the input voltage, and the input current to a thresholdrate.
 4. The solar panel assembly of claim 2, wherein the output moduleis configured to determine that the load device stopped charging by:monitoring at least one of the output power, the output voltage, and theoutput current; and at least one of (i) comparing the least one of theoutput power, the output voltage, and the output current to a thresholdvalue and (ii) comparing a rate of decrease of the least one of theoutput power, the output voltage, and the output current to a thresholdrate.
 5. The solar panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the output moduleincludes a communication device configured to facilitate transmittingdata regarding operation of the solar panel to at least one of the loaddevice and an external device.
 6. The solar panel assembly of claim 5,wherein the communication device is configured to transmit data using awireless communication protocol.
 7. The solar panel assembly of claim 1,wherein the output module includes a display configured to provide anindication regarding an operational characteristic of at least one ofthe solar panel and the output module.
 8. The solar panel assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the operational characteristic includes at least one of(i) a level of intensity of the light energy received by the pluralityof solar cells, (ii) a level of the electrical power from the solarpanel, (iii) a level of an input voltage of the electrical power fromthe solar panel, (iv) a level of an input current of the electricalpower from the solar panel, (v) a level of the output power, (vi) alevel of the output voltage, and (vii) a level of the output current. 9.The solar panel assembly of claim 7, wherein the display includesplurality of LEDs, wherein the output module is configured to illuminatethe plurality of LEDs to provide the indication.
 10. The solar panelassembly of claim 1, wherein the output module is configured to: monitorthe electrical power at the output interface; compare the electricalpower at the output interface to an available input electrical powerassociated with the solar panel; and adjust the output voltage based onthe electrical power at the output interface and the available inputelectrical power to maximize the electrical power provided to the outputinterface.
 11. The solar panel assembly of claim 10, wherein the outputmodule is configured to determine the available input electrical powerby: incrementally increasing a load applied to the plurality of solarcells; monitoring an instantaneous power level provided by the pluralityof solar cells at the input interface; and associating the availableinput electrical power with the instantaneous power level in response toa decrease in the instantaneous power level.
 12. The solar panelassembly of claim 10, wherein the output current is non-linearly relatedto the output voltage.
 13. The solar panel assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a panel module including an output, wherein the panel moduleis coupled to a rear surface of the solar panel and electrically coupledto the plurality of solar cells.
 14. The solar panel assembly of claim13, wherein the input interface of the output module is configured tointerface with the output of the panel module to detachably couple theoutput module to the solar panel and thereby selectively electricallycouple the output module to the plurality of solar cells.
 15. An outputmodule for a portable solar panel, comprising: an input interfaceconfigured to engage an output of the portable solar panel to receive aninput electrical power having an input voltage and an input current; anoutput interface configured to engage an input of a load device andprovide an output electrical power having an output voltage and anoutput current; and a processing circuit configured to: monitor at leastone of the input electrical power, the input voltage, the input current,the output electrical power, the output voltage, and the output current;determine whether the load device has stopped charging based on a changein the at least one of the input electrical power, the input voltage,the input current, the output electrical power, the output voltage, andthe output current; and stop providing and thereafter again provide theoutput electrical power to the load device in response to determiningthat the load device stopped charging.
 16. The output module of claim15, wherein the processing circuit is configured to adjust the inputvoltage to provide at least one of the output voltage, the outputcurrent, and the output electrical power to the load device at a targetvalue.
 17. The output module of claim 15, wherein the output module isconfigured to detachably interface with the portable solar panel suchthat the input interface selectively engages the output of the portablesolar panel.
 18. An output module for a portable solar panel,comprising: an input interface configured to engage an output of theportable solar panel to receive an input electrical power generated by aplurality of solar cells of the portable solar panel; an outputinterface configured to selectively engage an input of a load device tofacilitate providing an output electrical power having an output voltageand an output current to the load device to at least one of power andcharge the load device; and a processing circuit configured to controlthe output voltage based on a maximum available power associated withthe plurality of solar cells.
 19. The output module of claim 18, furthercomprising a regulator configured to adjust the output voltage, whereinthe processing circuit is configured to: monitor the output electricalpower at the output interface; compare the output electrical power atthe output interface to an available input electrical power associatedwith the portable solar panel; and control the regulator to adjust theoutput voltage based on the output electrical power at the outputinterface and the available input electrical power to maximize theoutput electrical power provided to the output interface.
 20. The outputmodule of claim 19, further comprising a test circuit configured tofacilitate variably loading the plurality of solar cells, wherein theprocessing circuit is configured to monitor the input electrical powergenerated by the plurality of solar cells during the variable loading todetermine the maximum available power.